Training

One of the benefits of volunteering for the US Fish and Wildlife Service, at least in Kodiak, is that they spend a good deal of time and effort instructing you in some pretty exciting things.  We had a fairly standard (though interesting) introduction-to-the-institution talk.  We had harassment training and all that jazz.  We did first aid and CPR.  But that is not all.

There was Aviation Safety training.  Before coming to Alaska, I spent several hours completing an internet module, reading and taking quizzes on things I probably don't really need to know about how to compile a flight plan, who to ask for authorization and choosing the correct aircraft for my particular mission.  In Kodiak there was a morning classroom session with two instructors and thirty or so students.  We learned the Seven Steps to Staying Alive if Your Float Plane Crashes into the Water.  And then learned them again.  And again.  And again.  (Step one: "I'm a survivor!")  The repetition makes sense, though, because if your float plane really is crashing into the water you're going to want your escape plan as close to the surface of your memory as possible.  The presentation was a bit corny at times, but it contained useful and possibly life-saving information, so style doesn't really matter.  Plus now on commercial flights I will think to count the number of seats between me and the exit row and I'll actually read the safety card in the seat-back pocket.

A float plane like one of the ones the Refuge uses

After the classroom we spent the afternoon at the local pool putting our knowledge of the seven steps into practice.  This is colloquially known as "Dunker Training" because of the PVC-and-webbing replica of a small plane cabin they buckle you into and then push into the water.  You're required to follow the steps to successfully exit the contraption underwater three times in order to pass the course.  Some people strongly dislike the experience, but I am fond of water and found it interesting to be upside down and disoriented.  I also became convinced that it really is important to have a plan and your wits about you: you will not exit automatically or by instinct.

The dunker contraption.  Photo credit: Erynn

There was Firearm Training.  The goal of Firearm Training for most people is to become certified to carry a shotgun in the field for last-resort defense of yourself and others against bears.  Since this is not really an issue when living and working aboard boats, I did not need to be certified.  Luckily so, since my goals were somewhat more modest: not to injure myself or anyone else during training and to come away from it not quite so indiscriminately, paralyzingly terrified of firearms as I was at the beginning.  By these measures it was a success.  I am grateful for the patience and understanding of the various people who instructed us at the shooting range.